Family and friends are mourning the loss of Ronald Michael Bogardus, who passed away on January 15, 2026, at the age of 77. Ronald, a devoted husband and father, is remembered for his unwavering love and commitment to his family. He left a lasting legacy in his community and beyond.
Born on November 23, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, Ronald was the son of Jack Earnest Bogardus and Evelyn Irene Bogardus. He grew up in a family of five siblings: two brothers, Jack Earnest Jr. and Richard James, and two sisters, Diane Marie and Vicki Lee. The Bogardus family primarily resided in Illinois before spending some time in Indiana during Ronald’s childhood.
Ronald attended public schools in both states and graduated from Lane Tech Prep, an all-boys high school on Chicago’s North Side, in 1966. He briefly attended the University of Illinois, home of the Fighting Illini, before later completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature through online courses with the same institution.
In the early 1970s, Ronald and his brother Jack Jr. visited a friend in Boulder, Colorado, but upon learning that their friend had relocated to California, the two brothers decided to drive there. This trip marked a significant turning point in Ronald’s life, as he chose to settle in California permanently. He built a life there, marrying Laura Jean Lyons Bogardus and welcoming a daughter, Jessica Adriana Bogardus, and later a granddaughter, Cora Lynn Fesler.
Ronald is preceded in death by his brother, Jack Earnest Jr., his sister, Diane Marie Woolsey, and his parents. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Laura, and their daughter Jessica, who resides in Mt. Shasta, California. His granddaughter Cora lives in Albany, California. Ronald is also survived by his sister, Vicki Lee Roche of Deerfield, Illinois, his brother Richard James Bogardus, and his wife, Peggy Sue Bogardus, of Sacramento, California. Additionally, Ronald leaves behind a large extended family, including numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins across California, Illinois, and Indiana.
The community is invited to pay their respects during the funeral services scheduled for February 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at McCune Garden Chapel, located at 212 Main Street, Vacaville, CA 95688. Burial will take place afterward at the Vacaville-Elmira Cemetery, located at 522 Elmira Road, Vacaville, CA 95687.
In memory of Ronald, family members encourage donations to plant a living memorial or to honor him with floral tributes. Ronald Michael Bogardus will be remembered for his kindness, love, and the profound impact he had on those who knew him.
